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British entrepreneur, Nasser David Khalili, appointed as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador

UNESCO Chief Irina Bokova appointed British entrepreneur and philanthropist, Nasser David Khalili as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Mr. Khalili is a scholar and renowned art collector, well-known in the art-scene due to his extensive research on art. Moreover, he has established the Khalili Research Centre for the Arts and Material Culture of the Middle East at the University of Oxford, and is the co-founder and chairman of the Maimonides Foundation, which promotes peace and understanding between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Especially the latter foundation has gained importance recently, as the world has been witnessing the destruction of various UNESCO listed in Mali and Syria.

With his appointment, Mr Khalili joins an impressive list of well-known figures, including H.R.H. Princess Firyal of Jordan and Nelson Mandela, who use their fame and skills to promote UNESCO issues around the world. Mr Khalili will be using his status to promote peace among nations through culture and education.

The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.